Feds file new indictment against Barry Bonds

Federal prosecutors today returned to the field in their perjury case against former San Francisco Giants superstar Barry Bonds, filing a fresh indictment to address a federal judge's concern that the previous charges were legally flawed.

For Bonds, the new indictment contains the same central allegations, but now hits baseball's all-time home run leader with 15 felony charges instead of the five contained in the original indictment returned last November by a federal grand jury in San Francisco. Bonds is expected to be arraigned on the new indictment June 6.

The legal implications for Bonds remain the same under the new indictment - he faces the possibility of federal prison for allegedly lying to a federal grand jury in December 2003 about using steroids. Bonds was among dozens of athletes called to testify in the Balco steroids scandal.

The revised indictment, however, will push the case forward after months in limbo, although Bonds' high-powered defense team is expected to press other challenges to the prosecution's case. Bonds previously pleaded not guilty to the perjury charges.

The indictment now charges Bonds with 14 separate false statements to the Balco grand jury, all centered on his steroid use and relationship with his former personal trainer, Greg Anderson. He also faces one count of obstructing justice with his allegedly false grand jury testimony.

With the legal case on hold, the 43-year-old Bonds has remained on the sidelines as a free agent outfielder, unable to secure a contract with another Major League team.